The 4D Number Plate Dilemma: A Taxi Driver's Guide to Navigating the Grey Area

In the bustling world of taxi and private hire services, standing out from the crowd can be a challenge.  

One way drivers have found to add a touch of distinction to their vehicles is through the use of 4D number plates. These raised, glossy plates catch the eye and give a vehicle a modern, sleek look. But are they legal?  

That's where things get a bit murky. 

The Appeal of 4D Plates 

4D number plates are not your average plates. They feature characters cut from acrylic and attached to the plate's surface, giving them a raised, three-dimensional effect.  

This unique design adds a touch of class to any vehicle, making it stand out on the road. It's no wonder they've become popular among taxi and private hire drivers looking to make a statement. 

The DVLA's Stance 

According to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), number plates must be made from a reflective material and display black characters on a white background (front plate) or yellow background (rear plate). 

The rules also state that the characters must not be in italics, and no patterns should be visible in the background. 

So, where do 4D plates fit in? The DVLA's regulations don't specifically mention 4D plates, which has led to some confusion. Most of the confusion stems from the fact that 4D plates don’t actually exist.  

The plates themselves are just another type of 3D plate, but the term 4D is used to make the distinction between them and other 3D plates. 

So 4D plates are not explicitly illegal, they must still meet all the other requirements for number plates, including the correct colour, size, and typeface. 
 

The Enforcement Issue

While 4D plates might technically meet the DVLA's requirements, they've run into problems with law enforcement. The raised characters on 4D plates can cause issues for Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, which police use to identify vehicles.  

If an ANPR system can't read a plate, the driver could face a fine. This has led to a growing number of taxi drivers being pulled over and fined for their 4D plates.  

These fines aren't just a financial burden; they also cause stress and disruption for drivers who thought their plates were legal. 

Take the case of a London taxi driver who was recently pulled over by the police. The officer issued a £100 fixed penalty notice because the ANPR system in the police car couldn't read the driver's 4D number plate.  

The driver was shocked, having believed that his plate was perfectly legal. 

This isn't an isolated incident. Several other drivers have reported similar experiences, leading to growing concern within the taxi and private hire industry. 

The Future of 4D Plates

Despite the controversy, the DVLA is working to clarify the situation. They're consulting with various stakeholders, including the Department for Transport and the police, to determine how best to regulate 4D plates.  

In the meantime, drivers are advised to be cautious when considering 4D plates for their vehicles. 

Until the DVLA provides clear guidance on the issue, it's best for drivers to err on the side of caution. After all, in the taxi and private hire industry, it's always better to be safe than sorry.